December 6, 2009

Game Day in Washington; K Hartley active

UPDATE

Perhaps a response to John Carney's miss and near miss Monday night against New England, or perhaps in response to a clear but frigid weather forecast not expected to get above 40F, placekicker Garrett Hartley is active today for the first time this season.

Hartley served a four game suspension to start the season, which prompted the addition of John Carney. The veteran kept the job and kept the younger Hartley on the inactive list as the Saints carried two placekickers, using only Carney so far.

Carney is still on the roster but inactive today.

The forecast is clear skies, slight wind (5-6mph) blowing towards the south end zone. Despite snowy conditions earlier, no precipitation is forecast for Sunday.

However, the field is in bad shape after snow and rain in previous days. Hartley's debut will be especially difficult thanks to bad turf conditions.

As he predicted this week, the Saints have activated RB Reggie Bush.

Of note on the inactives list is top utilityman Jamar Nesbit, who is the usual first backup for both guard positions and can also play center. With injuries at cornerback and linebacker, the Saints likely faced a difficult decision on which healthy reserve at another position to deactivate. Backup center Nick Leckey is active.

The Saints' top three cornerbacks are down this week. Rookie Malcolm Jenkins and veteran Mike McKenzie are expected to start, with veteran Chris McAlister and free safety Usama Young as backups. The Saints did add cornerback Greg Fassitt to the practice squad a 10 days ago, but he is apparently not ready.